A historic Salford church which was ravaged by a huge fire will ‘live again’ after a huge restoration.

Architects Buttress have been appointed to take on the rebuilding of the Grade II listed Church of Ascension in Lower Broughton , which dates back to 1869.

They say the burned out structure could be restored in two years. It was gutted during the blaze in February, and only the building’s shell and columns remain.

Parishioners and nearby residents were left devastated, and it emerged that the church had recently undergone £250,000 of refurbishment after receiving charity grants. Police launched an investigation and said it was being treated as arson.

Buttress, who are also currently working on the renovation of Wythenshawe Hall following a fire, say the church project will be completed in two stages.

(Image: @LancashireFRS)

The first phase will include an assessment of what remains at the site, in a bid to identify and save items of architectural, historic and social significance.

Once this has been completed and the building has been stabilised, the roof will be rebuilt and masonry repair work will be carried out. Then work will begin on the interior of the church.

Church of Ascension was destroyed by fire (Image: Sean Hansford)

Canon David Wyatt from the church said: “For over 150 years the Church of the Ascension has been a sacred space for the people of Lower Broughton. In recent years people have worked hard and given generously to repair and restore the building, creating a paradise garden and caring for the environment.

“The destruction of the building by fire has been a devastating blow for all who live and work here.

“With the expert help now available to us we are confident that the church will live again.

(Image: MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS)

“Buttress has extensive experience in historic and ecclesiastical restoration projects, and we look forward to utilising this experience to create a building that will continue to serve the community for many years to come.”

David Shatwell, director at Manchester based Buttress, said: “The Church of the Ascension is a much-loved building and has played an important role in the community in both spiritual and social terms. We look forward to working with the church to bring the building back to life and integrate new structures and modern facilities that will respond to the needs of the church and the community it serves.”